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Updates to Modern Navigation and Plans to Sunset Old Navigation

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In October of last year, we introduced our redesigned, modern control panel navigation experience. Since then, the feedback we’ve received has been overwhelmingly positive and enlightening.

Today, we’d like to share some of the exciting updates we’ve implemented since then, and inform users about our plans to make modern navigation the default experience and ultimately sunset the old navigation.

The dark nav rises

One recurring theme that we’ve heard from users about the new navigation experience is that it’s very “bright” compared to the old navigation, which used light colored text on a dark background.

Last week, we rolled out an update for the modern navigation experience that includes a new user-level setting that applies a darker color scheme to the navigation “frame”.

The BigCommerce control panel with "Dark navigation" enabled.

To enable it, click the profile icon at the top right and toggle Dark navigation.

A screenshot of the BigCommerce control panel showing dark navigation enabled and highlighted in the expanded profile menu.

Switch stores with fewer clicks

For users with access to more than one store, we’ve made a small but significant improvement to how you switch between them. 

In the “Quick Links” box that appears in the top left when you click your store name, we’ve removed the link to Change store, and replaced it with a list of links to your other stores’ control panels.

A screenshot of the BigCommerce control panel showing the expanded Store Name menu with the Change store section highlighted.

If you have access to more than 5 stores, a search bar is included to help you locate the one you want.

Days of future nav

We will continue to seek feedback and make improvements to the navigation and the overall control panel experience, but moving forward, we will no longer be maintaining or updating the old navigation experience.

  • On March 31, 2025, all users will be automatically switched to the modern navigation experience with the option to switch back to the old experience at any time.

  • On May 28, 2025, the old navigation experience will be removed entirely.

The final word

The inspiration for these latest updates came directly from our users, and we are thankful to have received their thoughtful feedback. We hope these updates are well received and look forward to continuing to iterate on other workflow and quality of life improvements in the future.

See our user doc Modern Control Panel Navigation to learn more about how the new navigation differs from the old navigation.

To share feedback on the new navigation, use the link under Help in your control panel.

A screenshot of the BigCommerce control panel showing the expanded Help menu with links relevant to the new navigation experience.